The Olive School, Hackney

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Summary of key findings for parents and pupils

This is an outstanding school.

The headteacher's outstanding leadership, supported by governors and Tauheedul Education Trust staff, has created a thriving school community where teaching is very strong resulting in pupils' excellent progress. Pupils enter the school with starting points which are below those typically found. School data show that in Year 2, pupils' attainment is at least in line with, or better than, national comparable figures for all groups in reading, writing and mathematics.

This represents outstanding progress. The key to this excellent achievement by all pupils is the unrelenting monitoring of academic progress. Data are used comprehens...ively to focus on improving achievement.

Focused and personalised interventions are promptly applied when any underachievement is identified. Much of the teaching is outstanding and it is never less than consistently good. There are excellent role models for high quality teaching right across the school.

A considerable strength of the school is the quality of support provided for pupils by the learning coaches working with the teachers in classes. The teachers and learning coaches display excellent teamwork in each year group. The way that the school cares for pupils is excellent.

This is recognised and appreciated by parents. In addition, the school offers extensive support for parents so that they can help their children. The school is a safe environment.

Pupils' behaviour is impeccable. They are courteous, polite and sensible when moving around the temporary accommodation in which the school is housed. In lessons, they are engrossed in their learning.

The curriculum is excellent. Detailed planning has produced a comprehensive and cohesive programme which is enhanced by an extensive range of sporting and art activities. The curriculum is based on core skills, with a focus on the study of a rich variety of cultures, British history and other faiths.

As a result, pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding. Pupils are very well prepared for life in modern Britain. Governors are highly ambitious for the school.

They are rigorous in holding school leaders to account. They have a clear vision for the development of the highest academic achievement for all pupils, together with the opportunities to make a positive contribution to the community. Children in the Reception classes get off to an excellent start.

This is due to very strong leadership and teaching, leading to rapid progress in their learning and personal development. School leaders have used the support and challenge offered by the Trust and the local authority to focus on and review improvements very effectively.

Information about this school

This school is an average-sized primary school.

The Olive School Hackney opened as a Muslim faith free school in September 2013. Currently it has Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 classes and is growing year on year until it has the full primary age range. There are three classes in each year group.

The school is sponsored by the the Tauheedul Education Trust, a chain of primary and secondary schools in the North West, West Midlands and London. The school is currently housed in temporary accommodation in a community centre adjacent to a mosque. It will move into purpose-built accommodation in September 2016.

Almost all of the pupils are from minority ethnic groups; this is over three times the national average. Around one third are from an Indian heritage, with around one sixth being Bangladeshi and one tenth African. Around three quarters of the pupils speak a first language other than English.

However, school records show that all of the pupils come from families whose first language is not English. The proportion of disadvantaged pupils who are eligible for the pupil premium, which provides additional funding for looked after children and pupils known to be eligible for free school meals, is around the national average, at just under a quarter of the school roll. The proportion of disabled pupils and those who have special educational needs supported through school action is below average, but the proportion of pupils with greater learning needs supported through school action plus or with a statement of special educational needs is average.

A smaller than average proportion of pupils join or leave the school other than at the usual times. The governing body manages a breakfast club on the school site. The school does not use alternative provision for pupils.